Adjustable Shoes

ABSTRACT

An adjustable shoe having an extendible heel and flexible sole section is provided. In some embodiments, the flexible sole section can comprise one, two or even three or more layers. Where multiple layers are included, the sole can comprise a flexible spacer layer comprising neoprene or other flexible material(s), and another layer including an accordion-like material that can collapse or extend depending on desired arches.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is adjustable shoes.

BACKGROUND

The following description includes information that may be useful inunderstanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any ofthe information provided herein is prior art or relevant to thepresently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically orimplicitly referenced is prior art.

Some have put forth effort in providing footwear capable of being wornwith different heel heights. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,877,902 toPieriboni describes footwear having a heel with two heel portions,wherein one of the heel portions is rotatable to adjust the height ofthe overall heel.

All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extentas if each individual publication or patent application werespecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference isinconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein,the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definitionof that term in the reference does not apply.

As other examples: U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,072 to Sarkissian describes aheel and sole assembly wherein the heel height can be changed; U.S. Pat.No. 5,309,651 to Handel describes a shoe having a heel that can beextended downwardly to a high heel position, or moved towards the soleto a low heel position; US Patent Publication Number 2012/0055048 toHaupt describes a telescopic heel adjustable via a key; U.S. Pat. No.7,059,068 to Magallanes describes a shoe having separate heel portionsthat can removably couple to one another, and a flexible body portionextending from the upper end to the lower end of the shoe; and U.S. Pat.No. 2,934,840 to Mistarz describes a shoe having a telescopic heel.

However, each of the above apparently fails to provide an adjustableshoe that provides a desired level of comfort and security to a wearerat varying heel heights.

Thus, there is still a need for improved adjustable shoes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods inwhich an adjustable shoe comprises a sole coupled to a heel, wherein theheel is extendible and retractable between at least first and secondpositions via an adjustment mechanism. The sole can advantageouslycomprise one or more flexible portions disposed between more rigid toeend and heel end portions, wherein the flexible portion is sized anddimensioned to provide comfort to a wearer's feet when the heel is ineither of a retracted or extended configuration.

It is contemplated that the flexible portion could be disposed at anysuitable position along or within a sole, including for example, aportion aligning with a toe box of a shoe, a portion aligning with abreast of a shoe, a portion aligning with a vamp of a shoe, a portionaligning with an arch a shoe, a portion aligning with a wearer's midfoot, or a portion aligning with a wearer's ball of the foot.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term“coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which twoelements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirectcoupling (in which at least one additional element is located betweenthe two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with”are used synonymously.

In some aspects of the inventive subject matter, the heel can comprise ahousing portion that is adjustably coupled to a telescoping portion viaa threaded rod (e.g., an adjustment screw) and one or more complementarythreaded nuts (or threading along a lumen of a heel portion such as thehousing portion or the telescoping portion). For example, the threadedrod can be affixed within the lumen of the housing portion, and can matewith a complementary threaded component of the telescoping portion(e.g., a threaded lumen, a threaded nut or other internally threadedcomponent). As another example, the threaded rod can be affixed withinthe lumen of the telescoping portion, and can mate with a complementarythreaded component of the housing portion.

Additionally or alternatively, the housing portion can be adjustablycoupled to the telescoping portion via a slot and male key, which isfurther described below in connection with FIG. 4.

It is contemplated that a sole of the inventive subject matter cancomprise one, two, or even three or more (e.g., at least four, at leastfive, or even six or more, etc.) distinct layers coupled together in anysuitable manner. Some or all of the layers could comprise a flexiblemid-portion coupled to more rigid toe portions and heel (end ornon-mid-portion) portions. The flexible mid-portion could be made of anysuitable material, including for example, a neoprene. The more rigidportions could be made of any suitable material having a greaterstiffness (i.e., ability to resist deformation in response to an appliedforce) than the flexible material. One or more layers of the sole (e.g.,a top layer, one or more spacer layers, a bottom layer) can include aflexible mid-portion comprising an accordion or pleated material thatfolds up or unfolds (at least partially) to accommodate a retraction orextension of a heel. The accordion section could include a plurality ofpleats folding in a first direction (e.g., orthogonal to a sagittalplane of the foot) and can optionally include or be coupled to one ormore additional accordion sections, each having a plurality of pleatsfolding in a second direction substantially orthogonal (i.e., between70-110 degrees) to the first direction. For example, a layer of the solecan comprise a pleated material that extends across a width of the sole,and include or be coupled to pleated material of an upper of a shoe (thepart of the shoe above the sole that covers a foot of a wearer) at oneor both ends, wherein the pleats of the upper and the pleats of the soleform a right angle (or other angle between 70-110 degrees).

In some aspects of the inventive subject matter, a sole could comprise aplurality of layers, wherein at least one of the layers is made from auniform piece of material or materials that extends from the toe end tothe heel end. Viewed from a different perspective, the toe end, the heelend, and all portions there between (i.e., the entire layer) can be madeof the same piece of material or same sub-layers of materials.Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the layers could includea flexible mid-portion that is made from a material or materialsdifferent from at least one of the materials of the more rigid toe endand heel end.

In some aspects of the inventive subject matter, the sole (e.g., one ormore layers of a sole) could comprise an opening that both aligns withthe adjustment screw, and is sized and dimensioned to receive a key thatcan be used in conjunction with the adjustment mechanism (e.g., threadedrod). For example, the key could comprise a screwdriver having a tipthat mates with a head of the adjustment screw disposed within a heel ofthe shoe. In such embodiments, the key could have a tip that iscompatible with any suitable screw drive type, including for example, aslot, a Phillips, a pozidriv, a square, a Robertson, a hex, a hexsocket, a security hex socket, a torx, a security torx, a tri-wing, atorq-set, a spanner head, a clutch, a one-way, a double-square, a triplesquare, a polydrive, a spline drive, a double hex, a Bristol, or apentalobular screw drive type. It should be appreciated that in someaspects, a rotation of the key in a first direction could cause aretraction of a telescoping heel portion, while a rotation of the key ina second different direction (e.g., opposite direction) could cause anextension of the telescoping heel portion.

The heel can further comprise an optional outer heel in which thehousing portion is disposed. In some preferred embodiments, the housingportion can comprise a plurality of anchoring tabs that at least one of:(1) maintain a vertical position of the housing portion within the outerheel; and (2) prevent a rotation of the housing portion within the outerheel. The outer heel can be molded around the housing portion, or thehousing portion can be molded into the outer heel, among other things.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the descriptionherein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventivesubject matter will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanyingdrawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway view of a shoe of the inventive subjectmatter.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view illustrating some aspects of a heel of theinventive subject matter.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the heel of FIG. 2 in extended and retractedconfigurations.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a portion of another heel of the inventivesubject matter.

FIG. 5 is an exploded partial view of an embodiment of a heel and soleof the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of flexible accordion section of theinventive subject matter that extends from a sole to an upper of a shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of theinventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a singlecombination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter isconsidered to include all possible combinations of the disclosedelements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and asecond embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subjectmatter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A,B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

FIG. 1 illustrates some aspects of a shoe 100 of the inventive subjectmatter having an extendible heel and a flexible sole. The extendibleheel comprises a housing portion 110 that includes anchoring tabs 115and is disposed within outer heel 120. An adjustment screw 140 isdisposed within housing portion 110, which is rotatable and includes ahead that corresponds to key 150. It is contemplated that key 150 can beused to mate with the head of the adjustment screw 140 to thereby rotatethe adjustment screw 140 and extend or retract the heel. For example,the extendible heel comprises a telescoping portion 135 that isconfigured to at least partially retract into and extend out from alumen of housing portion 110 via a rotation of adjustment screw 140using key 150. In this embodiment, a rotation of the adjustment screw140 causes telescoping portion 135 to extend or retract by causinginternal threading 125 of the telescoping portion to rise or droprelative to a midline of the adjustment screw. This can be accomplishedby disposing the housing portion 110 within outer heel 120 such that arotation of the housing portion 110 relative to the outer heel 120 isprevented, and by coupling telescoping portion 135 with housing portion110 such that a rotation of telescoping portion 135 relative to housingportion 110 is prevented (for example, see FIG. 4). While any suitablelocking mechanism can be included to assist in preventing a rotation ofthe adjustment mechanism, it is contemplated that the requirement of akey to rotate the adjustment screw can sufficiently prevent unwantedretraction or extension of the telescoping heel.

Shoe 100 also comprises a sole and upper 155, one or both of which couldinclude a flexible mid-portion 145 between a heel end and a toe end. Inpreviously available shoes having a hard sole, adjustment of a heelportion (e.g., by removing a portion of a heel) could often destroy theintegrity of a sole when the shoe is worn with different heel heights.In previously available shoes having a softer sole, adjustment of a heelportion could often lead to discomfort to a wearer's sole as a higherheel generally could require a more supportive sole than a flatter heel.Here, the flexible mid-portion 145 is sized, shaped and dimensioned toallow a wearer to walk in shoe 100, without breaking or otherwisesubstantially damaging sole 155, regardless of whether telescopingportion 135 is retracted in housing portion 110 or extended there from.It should be appreciated that the flexible mid-portion could be locatedalong any portion of the sole that does not extend all the way to thevery front (toe end) or very back portion (heel end) of the sole. Forexample, the mid-portion could be located at a position between an areaof the sole aligning with a heel tip and an area of the sole aligningwith the toe box. The flexible portion (e.g., 145) is further describedbelow in connection with FIG. 6.

In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the heel can be configuredto extend between any suitable height range via key 150. For example, aheel can be configured so as to be extendible and retractable between aheight of approximately four to approximately six inches, inclusive,between a height of approximately zero to approximately six inches,inclusive, between a height of approximately one and approximately fiveinches, inclusive, between a height of approximately two andapproximately six inches, inclusive, or any other suitable height range.As used herein, the term “approximately” means within half an inch. Forexample, a height of approximately four to approximately six inchesincludes, among other things, the ranges of four to six inches, threeand a half to five and a half inches, four and a half to six and a halfinches, three and a half to six and a half inches, four and a half tofive and a half inches, three and a half to six inches, four to five anda half inches, and four to six and a half inches.

Viewed from a different perspective, it is contemplated that a length ofthe heel at a fully extended position (an extended length) can be atleast 1 inch, at least 2 inches, at least 3 inches, or even at least 4inches or more greater than a length of the heel at a fully retractedposition (a retracted length).

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve asa shorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, eachindividual value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respectto certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminatethe invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of theinvention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should beconstrued as indicating any non-claimed element essential to thepractice of the invention.

It should be appreciated that the outer heel, the housing portion, andthe telescoping portions of the heel could be made from any suitablematerial or combination of materials, including for example, steel,wood, cork, metal, rubber, and plastic. For example, in FIG. 1, theouter heel 120 could be made of metal and plastic, and the housingportion 110 and telescoping portion 135 could be made of stainless steeland metal. In some contemplated embodiments, each of the outer heel, thehousing portion and the telescoping portion could be made from differentmaterials. In some contemplated embodiments, the outer heel could bemade of a first type of material (e.g., wood or plastic with metal orstainless steel reinforcements or inner wall lining) while the housingand telescoping portions are made from a second, different type ofmaterial (e.g., stainless steel or metal). Additionally oralternatively, a stainless steel casing could be provided around theadjustment screw.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view illustrating some aspects of a heel 200 of theinventive subject matter. As illustrated, a housing portion 230 isprovided and can include washers 220A, 220B, and spacer 215, which canbe welded to or otherwise disposed in housing portion 230. An adjustmentscrew 235 can be at least partially disposed within the housing throughthe holes of spacer 215 and washers 220A and 220B. It should beappreciated that the washers 220A and 220B can comprise a ring (bonded,flat, lock, curved or other washer) made of any suitable material (e.g.,metal, rubber, etc.) that at least one of (1) spreads pressure betweentwo or more joining surfaces, and (2) prevents a rotation of theadjustment screw. It should also be appreciated that a spacer cancomprise an unthreaded (or threaded) ring that fits over a circumferenceof an adjustment screw to maintain a spacing between the adjustmentscrew and the housing portion.

In some embodiments, adjustment screw 235 can comprise outer threadingthat mates with the internal threading of at least one of threaded nut240A and threaded nut 240B, each of which can be welded or otherwiseattached to an inner wall of telescoping portion 245 and provide supportfrom a lateral force when worn. Housing portion 230 can advantageouslycomprise one or more vertically (or substantially vertically (within 10degrees of vertically) or non-vertically) oriented slots sized anddimensioned to receive corresponding protruding portion(s) oftelescoping portion 245, which can allow a rotation of adjustment screw235 (e.g., via key 210A and key opening 210B) to cause a retraction orextension of telescoping portion 245 from housing portion 230.

It is contemplated that a shoe of the inventive subject matter can alsocomprise an outer material 255 that covers at least a portion of theshoe's heel. The outer material 255 can comprise a pleated, stretchy orotherwise extendible material and be coupled to (1) the telescopingportion 245 at a first end, and (2) a non-telescoping portion of theshoe (e.g., outer heel, sole, upper (e.g., counter, feather, quarter,throat, topline, vamp, welt), etc.). For example, the outer material 255can have a first end attached between a sole and outer heel portion ofthe shoe, and a second end attached between a telescoping portion 245and a rubber end 250 of the shoe. The rubber end can be coupled totelescoping portion 245 in any suitable manner, including for example, asnap fit, a ball snap, or an adhesive.

When the heel is in a retracted configuration (see 300B of FIG. 3B), theouter material can be in a first configuration (e.g., folded, pleated,unstretched configuration). When the heel is in an extendedconfiguration (see 300A of FIG. 3A), the outer material can be in asecond configuration different from the first (e.g., partially unfolded,partially stretched, etc.). As such, the outer material can changeconfigurations to accommodate an adjustment of heel length. Such anembodiment may be desirable where a user does not want a telescopingheel exposed.

FIGS. 3A-B show the adjustable heel of FIG. 2 in an extended andretracted configurations. It should be noted that while the applicationdescribes one particular mechanism of heel adjustment, all commerciallysuitable mechanisms are contemplated. For example, the adjustable heelmay comprise multiple heel portions that can be removably attached toone another (e.g., via a snap fit, etc.). As another example, theadjustable heel may comprise a slide and lock mechanism wherein a firstheel portion comprises one or more apertures along its length configuredto accept a protrusion of a second heel portion.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a portion of another heel 400 of the inventivesubject matter that illustrates one way in which a rotation oftelescoping portion 410A relative to housing portion 420A can beprevented. Housing portion 420A includes a vertically oriented slot 420Bthat is sized and dimensioned to receive a male key/protrusion 410B oftelescoping portion 410A. When an adjustment screw or other adjustmentmechanism couples housing portion 420A and telescoping portion 410A andis rotated, a rotation between the two portions is prevented, while atelescoping movement (e.g., retraction or extension) is caused.

In other embodiments, it is contemplated that housing portion 420A,telescoping portion 410A or both can comprise a shape or shapes suitableto prevent a rotation of the telescopic heel portion relative to thehousing portion. In such embodiments, a slot and male key mechanism isnot necessary as rotation can be prevented by the shape of the heelportions. Exemplary shapes include, among other shapes, a rectangulartube, a hexagonal tube, an oval tube, an octagonal tube, or any tubularshape not having a circular cross-section.

FIG. 5 is an exploded partial view of an embodiment of a shoe 500 andsole 510 of the inventive subject matter having a plurality of distinctlayers coupled together. The sole 510 comprises three distinct layerscoupled together: (1) a top cover layer 535, (2) a spacer layer 530comprising a flexible strip of material, and (3) a bottom layer 525comprising an accordion section 520.

It is preferred that each of the spacer layer 530 and bottom layer 525comprise a sturdy material (e.g., a rubber, polyurethane, leather,thermoplastic rubber, plastic, wood, canvas, etc.) surrounding aflexible mid-section. Each layer can comprise any suitable thickness,including for example, at least 1 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm,between 1 mm and 5 mm, between 1 mm and 10 mm, between 1 mm and 20 mm,between 1 mm and 50 mm, between 5 mm and 10 mm, between 5 mm and 25 mm,at least 50 mm, or any other suitable thickness. Additionally oralternatively, the sole can comprise a uniform or varying thicknessalong its length. Examples include but are not limited to a solecomprising thicker front and heel portions than mid-portion, or a solecomprising a thicker mid-portion than front and heel portions.

In the spacer layer, the flexible mid-section can comprise asubstantially flat piece of a material having greater flexibility thatother portions of spacer layer 530. For example, the flexiblemid-section can be made of neoprene, foam, silicon, leather, siliconrubber, spandex, other commercially suitable material(s) etc., orcombination thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the flexiblematerial can be of sufficient hardness to be compatible with the sturdymaterial, and of sufficient flexibility that the sole can stretch orbend to accommodate modification of the heel length.

In the bottom layer, the flexible section advantageously can comprise anaccordion-like section 520 (e.g., an accordion pleat) that is configuredto collapse or fold when the telescopic heel is retracted in the housingportion, and extend or unfold when the telescopic heel is extended fromthe housing portion. This flexible section can also comprise anycommercially suitable material, including for example, elastomericmaterial(s), neoprene, leather, foam, silicon, silicon rubber, orspandex.

In some embodiments where a shoe comprises a telescoping heel, it iscontemplated that each (or some) of the sole layers can comprise a smallopening 515 (e.g., ¼ inch in diameter, ⅓ inch in diameter, etc.) sizedand dimensioned to allow for a key to be inserted inside the sole torotate an adjustment screw to thereby retract or extend the telescopicheel. In some embodiments, one sole layer could include a protrusionthat is sized and dimensioned to plug an opening 515 in one or more ofthe other sole layers. Such a protrusion could prevent discomfort to awearer that could otherwise be caused by including an opening throughall sole layers.

In FIG. 5 it was shown that a sole can comprise multiple layers havingdifferent materials or configurations. FIG. 6 illustrates that aflexible mid-portion 600 of the inventive subject matter can be placedalong any portion of a shoe's sole or upper material. The section isconfigured to collapse and extend as necessary to advantageously providea wearer with a comfortable shoe regardless of how high a correspondingheel is.

It is contemplated that the top portion 630 of the section can alignwith a top portion of a sole (e.g., an upper layer, a spacer layer,etc.), and the bottom portion 620 of the section can align with a bottomportion of a sole (e.g., a bottom layer, etc.). In some embodimentshaving multiple sole layers, it is contemplated that the top portion 630of the section can align with a top portion of a sole layer (e.g., thebottom layer), and the bottom portion 620 of the section can align witha bottom portion of the same sole layer.

Alternatively, it is contemplated that the accordion-like section canextend across a sole and upper material portion of a shoe. In suchembodiments, the bottom portion 620 of the section can align with abottom (or other) portion of a sole, while a top portion 630 of thesection aligns with some portion of the upper of the shoe. Someexemplary portions of an upper of a shoe includes (1) the quarter (rearand sides of the upper that covers the heel and are behind the vamp, (2)the throat (front of the vamp next to the toe cap), (3) the toe cap(front upper of the shoe), (4) the topline (top edge of the upper), (5)the vamp (section of the upper that covers the front of the foot and asfar back as where the quarter begins, and (6) the welt (strip ofmaterial that joins the upper to the sole).

It should be appreciated that the accordion section can be attached tothe rest of the sole (or other portion of the shoe) via a lining 610through stitches, glue, staples, or any other commercially suitableadhesive. In some embodiments, the lining can comprise a materialdifferent from other portions of the accordion section to provide astronger or better surface for coupling to the rest of the shoe. Acurved igloo-shaped lining 610 can be advantageous as it allows thebottom portion of the section to extend without requiring acorresponding extension along the top portion. Such a configuration canbetter accommodate the arching of a foot that can result from anextension of the heel.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. One ormore members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the groupas modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markushgroups used in the appended claims.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of theappended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification andthe claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises”and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that thereferenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized,or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are notexpressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at leastone of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . andN, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from thegroup, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable shoe, comprising: a sole coupled toa heel; wherein the heel is configured to adjust between a firstextended position and a second retracted position via an adjustmentmechanism; and wherein the sole comprises a toe end and a heel end, anda flexible mid-portion disposed between the toe end and the heel end. 2.The shoe of claim 1, wherein the heel comprises a housing portionadjustably coupled to a telescoping portion, and wherein the adjustmentmechanism comprises an adjustment screw.
 3. The shoe of claim 2, whereinthe heel further comprises an outer heel, and wherein the housingportion is disposed therein via a plurality of anchoring tabs thatmaintain a position of the housing portion within the outer heel.
 4. Theshoe of claim 2, wherein the adjustment screw is affixed within a lumenof the housing portion, and wherein the adjustment screw mates with atleast a first threading affixed within a lumen of the telescopingportion.
 5. The shoe of claim 4, wherein the sole comprises an openingthat aligns with the adjustment screw, and is sized and dimensioned toreceive a key.
 6. The shoe of claim 5, wherein a rotation of the key ina first direction causes the telescoping portion to at least partiallyretract within the housing portion, and wherein a rotation of the key ina second direction causes the telescoping portion to at least partiallyextend from the housing portion.
 7. The shoe of claim 3, furthercomprising a material having an adjustable length that is coupled to alower portion of the telescoping portion and an upper portion of theshoe.
 8. The shoe of claim 7, wherein the upper portion of the shoecomprises at least one of (a) an upper of the shoe, (b) the sole, and(c) an upper portion of the outer heel.
 9. The shoe of claim 8, whereinthe upper of the shoe comprises at least one of a counter, a feather, aquarter, a throat, a topline, a vamp, and a welt.
 10. The shoe of claim1, wherein the sole comprises a plurality of layers, and wherein atleast one of the layers comprises a first accordion section at theflexible mid-portion.
 11. The shoe of claim 10, wherein at least one ofthe layers comprises a mid-portion having less rigidity than a materialcomposing the toe end and the heel end.
 12. The shoe of claim 11,wherein the flexible mid-portion is made of neoprene.
 13. The shoe ofclaim 10, wherein the first accordion section comprises or is coupledwith a second accordion section having a second plurality of pleatsfolding in a direction substantially orthogonal to a folding of a firstplurality of pleats of the first accordion section.
 14. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the heel comprises a housing portion and a telescopingportion, and wherein the housing portion comprises a slot sized anddimensioned to receive a protrusion of the telescoping portion toprevent a rotation of the telescoping portion relative to the housingportion.
 15. The shoe of claim 1, wherein a first length of the heel atthe extended position is at least one inch greater than a second lengthof the heel at the retracted position.
 16. The shoe of claim 15, whereinthe second length is at least two inches.
 17. The shoe of claim 15,wherein the first length is at least two inches greater than the secondlength.
 18. The shoe of claim 7, wherein the telescoping portion iscoupled to a rubber end piece, and wherein the outer material is coupledto an area between the telescoping portion and the rubber end piece. 19.The shoe of claim 2, wherein the housing portion comprises a spacersized and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of an adjustmentscrew to thereby maintain a spacing between at least a portion of theadjustment screw and an inner wall of the housing portion.
 20. The shoeof claim 1, wherein the flexible mid-portion comprises a pleatedmaterial that is coupled to or includes a pleated mid-portion of anupper of the shoe.